Romeo and Juliet Theatre Review
26th March 2019
In the case of Erica Whyman’s Romeo and Juliet, it would be very unfair to say that the original versions are always the best. Having studied Romeo and Juliet in class, SIII were now interested to see it be performed as Shakespeare had intended it to be. Whilst seated in the theatre we could already feel the harsh and oppressing aura that was being radiated by the contemporary set (a rotating metal box that was moved to accommodate the different needs of each scene). Lined with steel, the simplicity of the set highlighted the tragic mood of the play and reflected the bleak events about to take place.
With the modernisation of the set came the modernisation of the characters. Characters such as Mercutio and Prince Escalus were reborn as women. The characters still retained their complexity and power and were as impactful onstage as their male counterparts. The brash presence that Mercutio held onstage split the opinions of the audience members, but nonetheless all eyes were glued to her from the moment she walked onstage. As well as this, Prince Escalus still held the authority and power she needed to over the audience as she attempted to halt the warring families all whilst keeping the poise and dignity fit for a king.
In modernising the play, it truly felt like a reflection of our society today and really made you feel like the events of the play could feasibly happen in real life. As well as this, seeing the play allowed us to solidify our knowledge of it. Having already written numerous essays on the play, SIII happily welcomed the chance to be able to see Romeo and Juliet in a new and unique way and this trip thoroughly allowed us to broaden the ideas we already had about themes in this tragedy as well as just allowing us to go and see an excellent piece of theatre.
Cara Ewing-Mackie, SIII
